Where are the Stelvios ?

[Huzo]

I’ll most likely never own another bike and just keep my Norge and V85…
But if I were to move on one it’d be a Stelvio, but I just don’t see them around. Are they selling ?
I think I would be put off at the crash they make when engaging gear from neutral, but I’d need to hear it. Who around here has one ?

[Clifton]

I have one and it's a pretty nice motorcycle. I have four problems with it, no bike is perfect right?

The suspension was very harsh. But at 10K+ now and backing off damping an additional 1/3 turn it's broken in and I'm ok with it.

The shield mechanism is quite wobbly on mine so I have to keep it down when on rough roads or it rattles around all over the place. The dealer checked it and according to Guzzi "up to 9mm of slack is within spec", mine with lots of slop has 5. One on their floor was loose like mine the other was pretty solid so check before purchase.

The clunk going into 1st gear. How did it even make it past prototype stage with this? I try to work around it and have become somewhat used to it.

Heat. This is a warm bike to ride when it's over 90 (32c). Heat comes back from the radiator, up from the collector, and back from the headers. I prefer to ride the V85TT in hot weather.

My dealer is disappointed in the sluggish sales. When it came out he was hopeful since it's $10K less than BMW GS which he also sells, that it'd sell well but sales are fairly slow.

On the positive it sounds wonderful, my BMW friends are envious every time I start mine. Their 1250 and 1300 GS's sound like a pump with clattery bearings running. Throttling is perfect not snatchy at all. Power delivery is nice as well. It handles like it's on rails, pick the right line through a long corner and you won't have to make a correction. Other than the flat paint it's a nice looking bike IMO.

[DonT]

 After 61,000 miles my red Norge turned into a black Stelvio.   Now with 5000 miles, and other than running out of gas once (the gauge said I had 47 miles to go) it is great. 

[SemperVee]

I’ll most likely never own another bike and just keep my Norge and V85…
But if I were to move on one it’d be a Stelvio, but I just don’t see them around. Are they selling ?
I think I would be put off at the crash they make when engaging gear from neutral, but I’d need to hear it. Who around here has one ?

After sitting on a "new" 2014 Stelvio I much prefer the older model style for weight and size.  I was surprized how heavy it was compared to what I was use to lifting off sidestand and having 2 VStrom 1000's.   Not trusting of new engine reliability yet but has a lot going for it once all the issues resolved and seems might be easier for maintenance

[Clifton]

.... I was surprized how heavy it was compared to what I was use to lifting off sidestand.....

The Stelvio is heavy and a little top heavy to boot, the heaviest bike I have to lift off the stand...... unless the stand is resting on the 2 x 4 block I use then it is about like any other large motorcycle. The Stelvio's stand seems at least 1 1/2" too short.

[Bulldog9]

Last weekend I was at kissel's Motorsports in Tyrone Pennsylvania.

They had an absolutely stunning and perfectly set up v100 Stelvio. It had the red white and blue paint scheme, aftermarket header and exhaust with cat delete, crash bars, and SW motech side and top case racks.

 This color scheme is much nicer than any of the others I've seen, at least to my eyes. Not enough to make me sell something to replace it with, especially when the Stornello TT is showing itself so well as an all roads capable ADV style touring bike.

[auzziguzzi]

But if I were to move on one it’d be a Stelvio, but I just don’t see them around. Are they selling ?

My dealer doesn't keep the new Stelvio on the floor.  Nothing to see.  Nothing to demo.  Will only get one in, to order.

I purchased my 2006 Norge under the same conditions and, fortunately, it turned out to be a good choice.

Not ideal, though, is it?

[averb]

Last time I was in Sydney I dropped in to Motociclo, I asked about the Stelvio and was told that they are not selling very well. Maybe this is just a Sydney or Australia thing.
Steve

[blu guzz]

I don't think it is just in Aus.  In the US, they seem to have been greeted with a yawn.  If they had brought it out when they did the V85, it might have been a hit.  In the summer of 2019, it was my last hurrah for adv. bikes of that size.  Most of my contemporaries are moving to smaller bikes both Adv and regular.  This is not a brag, but people in their mid 50s and up have the money for such things.  But as said, they are choosing smaller now.
Then there s price.  Yes, to outfit a Stelvio like a 1300 GS will push the price to around $20,000 US.  I don't think the perceived value is there among the general public at that price.  As cool as it is, the competition is fierce among the Japanese bikes for thousands less especially with the newer 600-800 cc offerings that have similar power and mission. 
I just think the timing was very poor.  Finally, when the V85 TT came out, it was such an incredible value for all the standard features it had.  Did MG invent this size class and now everyone is glomming on but with water cooled bikes?

[Moparnut72]

I was talking with my salesman yesterday. He said he can't V85's on the floor. I think from what I have seen following their inventory V100's are selling also. I pick up my V7 today I will ask.
kk

[PeteS]

When I was looking to replace my top heavy Triumph Tiger 800 I sat on the Stelvio and then the V85. The Stelvio felt even heavier than my Triumph but the V85 was near perfect. I bought the V85 and still think its one of the best motorcycles I have ever owned, the 850 LeMans not withstanding.

Pete

[blackcat]

"The suspension was very harsh."

They should have included the suspension from the Mandello S for the Stelvio or at least had an optional model with that suspension.

[Clifton]

"The suspension was very harsh."

They should have included the suspension from the Mandello S for the Stelvio or at least had an optional model with that suspension.

Yes. Or just a nicer conventional shock that isn't so stiff.

Just thinking about it I don't think the timing of the Stelvio's introduction is necessarily why sales are sluggish so much as the combination of its handful of faults. To the four I mentioned; stiff suspension, wobbly shield, clunk and jerk going into first, and heat, I would add weight and short gearing.

They say first impression is very important and the first thing a potential buyer notices when sitting on the bike is how heavy it is to lift off the stand. This alone will be a turnoff for many. In the case of my dealer that also sells BMW if one gets off the Stelvio and walks over to an R1300GS, the BMW is much lighter feeling and easier to upright off the stand.

 Those who aren't too put off by the weight might suit up for a test ride. After starting the engine and enjoying its nice throaty sound you pull in the clutch, select first and are greeted with a loud bang and lurch forward. Returning from the 15 minute test ride your impression of the bike is that while it runs well, it feels heavy, unrefined, and somewhat harsh riding. Overall the bike works pretty well but I think Guzzi should address some of these faults, along with others that are revealed when living with the bike, if they really want it to sell better.

There's not much they can do about the weight other then lengthening the stand but surely they can soften first gear engagement even if it involves some internal redesign. Fitting a better, more compliant shock and correcting the wobbly shield is easy enough. They should be able to lessen some heat with a little shielding and maybe some insulation or ducting around the collector. The motor produces good power and torque so spread out the gears with taller 5th and 6th.

[Tom H]

"After starting the engine and enjoying its nice throaty sound you pull in the clutch, select first and are greeted with a loud bang and lurch forward"

My HD with a wet clutch does exactly that on the first cold start up. once warmed up, not a problem. The fix...Proper clutch adjustment and to pull and hold the clutch lever for 10-20 seconds while letting it warm up a bit. Then tap into first.

Sounds like Guzzi has a clutch issue not a gear box issue if it lurches forward. The bang would be due to the clutch not fully opening and dragging so the gears are still spinning while the bike is stopped and the clutch lever is pulled.

JMHO,
Tom

[Bulldog9]

"After starting the engine and enjoying its nice throaty sound you pull in the clutch, select first and are greeted with a loud bang and lurch forward"

My HD with a wet clutch does exactly that on the first cold start up. once warmed up, not a problem. The fix...Proper clutch adjustment and to pull and hold the clutch lever for 10-20 seconds while letting it warm up a bit. Then tap into first.

Sounds like Guzzi has a clutch issue not a gear box issue if it lurches forward. The bang would be due to the clutch not fully opening and dragging so the gears are still spinning while the bike is stopped and the clutch lever is pulled.

JMHO,
Tom

Such is the reality with a 'wet clutch' especially when cold. Big adjustment for Guzzi Riders used to 'dry' clutches.  Once the engine oil is up to temp it isn't so bad.

[PeteS]

"After starting the engine and enjoying its nice throaty sound you pull in the clutch, select first and are greeted with a loud bang and lurch forward"

My HD with a wet clutch does exactly that on the first cold start up. once warmed up, not a problem. The fix...Proper clutch adjustment and to pull and hold the clutch lever for 10-20 seconds while letting it warm up a bit. Then tap into first.

Sounds like Guzzi has a clutch issue not a gear box issue if it lurches forward. The bang would be due to the clutch not fully opening and dragging so the gears are still spinning while the bike is stopped and the clutch lever is pulled.

JMHO,
Tom

The problem it has a hydraulic clutch. No cable to adjust. I agree with your assessment though. Dragging clutch. The V100 has the same issue.

Pete

[Clifton]

Yeah my RK had the loud engagement going into 1st gear especially when cold but not so much as the V100 Stelvio. You can hold in the lever until eternity but the clutch drag keeps it rotating at the high idle speed of 1,500 rpm. TBH it's more bothersome the first few times you ride it and, in my case at least, I've gotten used to it and often can work around it. I still wish it wasn't there though. To be clear, saying "all bikes with wet clutches do this" or "it just needs adjusted" misses the point. This is a known issue, my other bikes with wet clutches either barely exhibit this or don't at all and there's no adjustment it's hydraulic and set from the factory.

While it sounds like I hate the Stelvio that's not the case at all, I'm just pointing out what I perceive as minor problems that if fixed would make a good motorcycle great. As it is the Stelvio is comfortable, runs well, handles well, throttling is perfect, has good LED lighting, cruise, uses no oil, nice wind protection w/o buffeting, tank is large enough, and is nice looking and sounding.

[Tkelly]

Roger Pritzel has been riding his to rallies all across the US this year and has no complaints.I doubt there is any Guzzi rider who rides as far every year.I rode one around Sicily,an excellent bike for long distance travel.

[Tom H]

Didn't realize it was hydraulic clutch. I should know this, but.... Is there no way to adjust the hydraulic clutch on a Guzzi?? Set screw or the like??? Had a car with hydraulic clutch, had to go under the car and adjust the slave to fork lever to get the correct pedal height.

Tom

[aklawok]

 So I got looking at some stelvio reviews and come to the realization that there is quite the polarization of opinions, I would love to throw a leg up some day, but time will tell.

This one particular review our of New Zealand struck my funny bone, in particular on this reviewers opinions about Piaggio( not what u expect! Lol!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aE8CtvoWus
About 4:20 comments start. Of the things mentioned, biggest take away for me was the recommendation for a quick shifter, as gripes about shifting without solutions abound.

[Moparnut72]

I had or had a Mandello. The clutch gets a lot better with a few thousand miles. It is not as bad as a Harley I had. There were skid marks on my garage floor for years from engaging 1st gear. From what I have read somewhere the basket spins constantly on the V100 engines instead of the hub. This leads to a somewhat harsh engagement as it is a fairly large mass that has to stop instantly when 1st is selected. I have told that there is a small screw in the clutch lever housing that can be turned to change the engagement point. I haven't checked on mine I will peek at it this morning as the bike is still here. The new owner is doing a fly and ride. Since the bike is no longer mine I will not mess with it if it is in fact there.
kk

[kingoffleece]

When I test rode (twice) the new Stelvio didn't seem top heavy or hard to get off the stand or any other thing.
First gear?  Yea, make a noise and a movement.  So what?  Just ride.

[Bulldog9]

When I test rode (twice) the new Stelvio didn't seem top heavy or hard to get off the stand or any other thing.
First gear?  Yea, make a noise and a movement.  So what?  Just ride.

Took me FOREVER to adjust to how there is NO big clunk when going into first when I went from wet clutch bikes to dry in 2015.

[Huzo]

If I saw a gloss red one with wire wheels and polished rims, I know I’d end up with it.
I cannot fathom why they are not selling well. Usually the coarse engagement of first gear from neutral, is a function of the amount of undercut on the gear dogs.
I would like to investigate increasing the clutch throw marginally, by trying a larger piston in the master cylinder and accepting the heavier action.
The greater undercut on the dogs is probably why they don’t start flying out of gear under acceleration when the odometer gets to the other side of 100,000 km.

[Clifton]

...Usually the coarse engagement of first gear from neutral, is a function of the amount of undercut on the gear dogs.

I believe Guzzi added or increased undercut on year two of the V100 so all Stelvios already incorporate this change.

[Huzo]

I believe Guzzi added or increased undercut on year two of the V100 so all Stelvios already incorporate this change.

If you engage first gear with the engine off when cold, can you wheel the bike forward relatively easily ?

[Huzo]

Last time I was in Sydney I dropped in to Motociclo, I asked about the Stelvio and was told that they are not selling very well. Maybe this is just a Sydney or Australia thing.
Steve

Nicole would not sugar coat anything….

[Clifton]

If you engage first gear with the engine off when cold, can you wheel the bike forward relatively easily ?

Good question I'll check tomorrow. From my recollection there's some but not an unusual amount of wet clutch drag. But enough to spin the components that must come to a halt quite fast.

[Moparnut72]

I can't speak from 1st hand experience but there are some explanations for the excessive clunk especially on the early models. Some cushioning springs were added on later models of the Mandello but the Stelvios got them right off. Also  some of the clunk comes from the fact that the basket is spinning while the hub isn't prior to engagement, resulting from a larger mass having to come to a stop instantly. I can say that the clunk lessened on my Mandello as the mileage increased. It was no longer annoying. I sold the Mandello a short time ago and traded my V7lll for a new V7 850 Special.
kk

[Clifton]

Good question I'll check tomorrow. From my recollection there's some but not an unusual amount of wet clutch drag. But enough to spin the components that must come to a halt quite fast.

OK it is as I recalled; with 1st engaged, clutch in, and not running, there is the typical wet clutch drag when pushing the Stelvio, about the same as my Honda CB1100. But selecting first from neutral when running, the CB1100 just snicks in hardly noticeable while the Stelvio goes in with a jolt and lurch.
The 2014 BMW R1200GS wethead engaged similar to the Stelvio maybe not quite as abrupt. BMW issued a bulletin to reduce the abrupt engagement by lowering the maximum oil level to no higher that 1/2 way up the sight glass which helped.